Jennings State Forest crosses the Clay-Duval line
Jennings State Forest spans Clay and Duval counties, with separate recreation areas for trails, primitive camping, paddling, hunting, and quiet time in the woods.
Jennings State Forest sits between suburban northeast Florida and a much quieter stretch of woods and water. The forest covers land in Clay and Duval counties, even though its headquarters uses a Middleburg mailing address.
The first decision is not simply whether to go. It is which recreation area fits the day. Old Jennings has several hiking and horse trails. Bootleggers offers drive-up primitive tent sites. Ellis Ford reaches Black Creek and the Pioneer Trail. Other entrances serve different trails and camp zones.
That spread is useful, but it makes a downloaded map and current forest notice more important than a general address. Camping can require a reservation, some camp zones are first come, and hunting seasons change how a trail day feels. The Long Branch Blue Loop horse trail also remains under a long-running reroute closure, so an old route description may not match the ground.
Start with the Florida Forest Service recreation page, choose the entrance and activity, and then check the map, fee or reservation, weather, and Jennings Wildlife Management Area dates. Once those pieces are settled, the forest is an easy way to see the wilder side of both counties.
Where to see it
Jennings State Forest in Clay and Duval counties. Pick the recreation area first, then check the Florida Forest Service map, access notes, fees, reservations, and hunting dates.
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Official sources
Last checked against these sources: July 30, 2026.
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